Kenny Sebastian Is A Stand-Up Comedian Who Instills Hope Through Laughter

I met the very talented and enterprising Kenny Sebastian who came a long way in his 8-year-old long journey, which he kickstarted with videos online, at a performance at Hard Rock Café, Andheri. And he enthralled his audience till the very end. Kenneth originally hails from Bangalore and he first made parodies, covering popular songs, which got him a significant following on his YouTube channel. During IIT Bombay’s Mood Indigo, Kenny’s improvised riff struck chords with the judges and the audience alike, which meant it was a total win for the stand-up comedian, hands down!

Five years down the line, he is an established artist in the field with an avid and ever-increasing fan following.

Comedy happened for Kenny, through various forms of art. “I was into filmmaking during my school days. After I finished school, I decided to go to an art college so I could have the freedom to do and learn anything on the side. The result was I dabbled in music, theater and, eventually, stand-up comedy,” he says. He loves the fun that comes with experimenting in his field and his family has stood by him throughout the journey. “I was financially, self-sufficient at a very young age,” he reminisces. “I used to be a graphic designer and freelance for corporate films and companies before I decided to make a mark as a stand-up comedian.”

Known for his unmatched skill to create songs, chosen by a group of his fan following, Kenny has charmed his audiences and fans, alike. Remembering his most memorable act, he says “It has been touring for my last special when people started coming to watch me perform for an hour and I didn’t have to prove myself to them.”

Some of Kenny’s favourite comedians in the present day and age include Tanmay Bhat, Kanan Gill, Naveen Richard, Abish Mathew, Seinfeld, Louis CK, Bryan Reegan, Dave Chappelle and John Mulaney. He believes that stand-up comedy was always been well-received, even in a country like India where the level of tolerance and intellect may not be as advanced as it is internationally. Kenny is of the opinion that India is getting there. “The so-called intolerance is propagated by certain parts of the society that are using it as a promotional tool,” he explains. “The audiences I cater to are very broad-minded and mature. Maybe I have just been lucky to have gravitated towards such an audience.” As long as artists like Kenny Sebastian continue to create original, creative and thought-provoking work, with a sense of humour, there is hope for the country. Laughter instills hope, after all.